The Oceanview Mine crew are all owner-operators--they do the work for the love of discovering gems and minerals and the dream of hitting that next big pocket. Of course, they also get to keep some of what they find--each miner is eligible for a share of the finds. Most of the miners have been doing this for many years both here in southern California and in some cases, in other parts of the world. They are all trained and certified, and safety in the mine is always the top priority. Learn a little bit about each miner in the short bios below.
Jeff Swanger, CEO Oceanview Mines, LLC
Jeff is CEO of Oceanview Mines, LLC and owner of the Oceanview, Pala Chief and Elizabeth R mines on Chief Mountain. Jeff has had an interest in pegmatites and mining since he was a boy growing up in nearby Escondido, CA. Now he's living his dream of discovering the next great gem pocket in the Pala Mining District.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Jeff.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Jeff.
Steve Carter, Miner/Drilling-Blasting
Steve joined the Oceanview crew in 2003 and is the resident expert on drilling and blasting.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Steve.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Steve.
Mark Baker, Miner/Bobcat Operator
Mark joined the Oceanview crew in 2003 and is one of the primary heavy equipment operators.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Mark.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Mark.
Daron Fisler, Miner/MSHA Trainer
Daron joined the Oceanview crew in 2008 and is an expert in a wide variety of areas of mining, as well as GIA certified gemologist.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Daron.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Daron.
Travis Carter, Miner/Drilling-Blasting
Travis joined the Oceanview crew in 2003; as Steve Carter's son he's also experienced in drilling and blasting.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Travis.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Travis.
Mark Mauthner, Geologist/Sales Manager
Mark Mauthner joined the mine team in 2007, about the time the famous 49'er Pocket was discovered. Mark is a geologist by training, and also a professional mineral photographer.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Mark.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about Mark.
John Gregory, Miner/Bobcat Operator
John joined the Oceanview crew in early on, but has been working on the mountain for 25 years, starting out helping Roland Reed at the Elizabeth R Mine.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about John.
Click on the Read More link below to learn more about John.